15 Mar 2024

Māori sidelined in Whakapapa ski field talks - iwi

From Morning Report, 8:14 am on 15 March 2024

A central North Island iwi says Māori have been sidelined yet again in the latest decisions on the future of Mt Ruapehu's Whakapapa Skifield.

The Government announced yesterday that it will provide seven million dollars to Ruapehu Alpine Lifts to ensure the ski season goes ahead while a buyer is sought for the business.

But a local hapu say the plans amount to another slap in the face for Māori.

Aiden Gilbert is the chair of Te Korowai o Wainuiārua - a collective of these hapū.